The decreased secretion of hyaluronan by older human fibroblasts under physiological conditions is mainly associated with the down-regulated expression of hyaluronan synthases but not with the expression levels of hyaluronidases

Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 - a novel signaling molecule for rejuvenating aged skin

The skin seems to rejuvenate upon exposure to factors within the circulation of young organisms. Intrinsic factors that modulate skin aging are poorly understood. We used heterochronic parabiosis and aptamer-based proteomics to identify serum-derived rejuvenating factors. We discovered a novel extracellular function of hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1). Its serum levels decreased with age, disturbing the integrity of the skin extracellular matrix, which is predominantly composed of collagen I and hyaluronan; levels of various markers, which decrease in aged skin, were significantly restored in vivo and in vitro by the administration of recombinant human HAPLN1 (rhHAPLN1). rhHAPLN1 protected transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 on the cell surface from endocytic degradation via mechanisms such as regulation of viscoelasticity, CD44 clustering, and hyaluronan cross-linking. Moreover, rhHAPLN1 regulated the levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B, and some cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors such as p16 and p21. Therefore, rhHAPLN1 may act as a novel biomechanical signaling protein to rejuvenate aged skin.

The rheology of injectable hyaluronic acid hydrogels used as facial fillers: A review

Injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels have been popularized in facial aesthetics as they provide a long-lasting effect, low risk of complications, allergenicity tests are not required before application and can be easily removed by the action of hyaluronidases. On the other hand, the development of these systems requires in-depth studies of chemical mechanisms involved in hydrogel formation. Ideal dermal fillers should temporarily fluidize during extrusion through the needle and quickly recover their original shape after application. Hydrogels with more elastic properties, for example, are difficult to inject while viscous materials are too liquid. A balance between both properties should be achieved. Each region of the face requires products with distinct rheological properties. High G' dermal fillers are preferable for deeper wrinkles whereas the counterpart with lower values of G' is more indicated in superficial wrinkles or lip augmentation. Factors such as molecular weight and concentration of HA, pH, type and concentration of the crosslinking agent, particle size, crosslinking reaction time and crosslinking agent/polysaccharide ratio should be modulated to achieve specific rheological properties. In this review, the effect of each variable is discussed in detail to guide the rational development of new dermal fillers.

A micronutrient mixture with collagen peptides, probiotics, cannabidiol, and diet may reduce aging, and development and progression of age-related alzheimer's disease, and improve its treatment

Human aging involves gradual decline in organ functions leading to organ specific age-related chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although advances in the development of new drugs, novel surgical procedures, improved diet and lifestyle, have resulted in doubling of lifespan of humans, the quality of life in many cases remains poor because of increased incidence of age-related chronic diseases. Using experimental models of accelerated aging, several cellular defects associated with aging and AD have been identified. Some cellular defects due to increased oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, autophagy defects, mitochondrial dysfunction, and imbalances in the composition probiotics in favor of harmful bacteria over beneficial bacteria are common to both aging and AD, while others such as telomere attrition, loss of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, failure of DNA repair system, and impaired immune function are unique to aging; and some such as increased production of beta-amyloids, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, and abnormal behaviors are unique to AD. It is suggested that supplementation with a micronutrient mixture, probiotics, collagen peptides, CBD, and modifications in the diet and lifestyle may reduce the aging processes, and the development, progression of AD, and improve the treatments of this disease.

Absorption, metabolism, and functions of hyaluronic acid and its therapeutic prospects in combination with microorganisms: A review

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is key to the stability of the internal environment of tissues. HA content in tissues gradually decreases with age, causing age-related health problems. Exogenous HA supplements are used to prevent or treat these problems including skin dryness and wrinkles, intestinal imbalance, xerophthalmia, and arthritis after absorption. Moreover, some probiotics are able to promote endogenous HA synthesis and alleviate symptoms caused by HA loss, thus introducing potential preventative or therapeutic applications of HA and probiotics. Here, we review the oral absorption, metabolism, and biological function of HA as well as the potential role of probiotics and HA in increasing the efficacy of HA supplements.

Epidermal Hyaluronan in Barrier Alteration-Related Disease

In skin, although the extracellular matrix (ECM) is highly developed in dermis and hypodermis, discrete intercellular spaces between cells of the living epidermal layers are also filled with ECM components. Herein, we review knowledge about structure, localization and role of epidermal hyaluronan (HA), a key ECM molecule. HA is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan non-covalently bound to proteins or lipids. Components of the basal lamina maintain some segregation between the epidermis and the underlying dermis, and all epidermal HA is locally synthesized and degraded. Functions of HA in keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation are still controversial. However, through interactions with partners, such as the TSG-6 protein, HA is involved in the formation, organization and stabilization of the epidermal ECM. In addition, epidermal HA is involved in the formation of an efficient epidermal barrier made of cornified keratinocytes. In atopic dermatitis (AD) with profuse alterations of the epidermal barrier, HA is produced in larger amounts by keratinocytes than in normal skin. Epidermal HA inside AD lesional skin is located in enlarged intercellular spaces, likely as the result of disease-related modifications of HA metabolism.

Photoaging Protective Effects of Ranunculus bulumei Methanol Extract

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is the main cause of photoaging processes including cellular senescence, skin drying, collagen degradation, melanogenesis, and inflammation. These responses occur because UVB induces a change in expression of aging-related genes through regulation of signal pathways such as that of mitogen-activated protein kinases- (MAPKs-) activator protein 1 (AP-1). Ranunculus bulumei, which is used as an herb in Indonesia, belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, which has been reported to perform various physiological effects including antioxidant and anti-inflammation. However, data on the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical utility of Ranunculus bulumei have not been reported. Therefore, we evaluated the antiaging efficacy of RB-ME, a methanol extract of Ranunculus bulumei. Rb-ME attenuated MMP9 and COX-2 gene expression but enhanced SIRT1 and type-1 collagen in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Rb-ME regulated these gene expressions through inhibition of p38 phosphorylation and inactivation of AP-1. In addition, mRNA expression of HAS-2 and -3, which are involved in skin hydration, was elevated in Rb-ME-treated HaCaT cells. Rb-ME also inhibited melanogenesis by suppression of tyrosinase, MITF, and TYRP-1 mRNA in B16F10 cells under α-MSH treatment. Taken together, these results indicate that Rb-ME has a protective effect on some UVB-induced skin photoaging events such as inflammation, collagen degradation, cellular senescence, skin drying, and melanin production through inhibition of the p38-AP-1 signal cascade, indicating that Rb-ME can be used as an active ingredient for antiaging cosmetics.

Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 upregulates hyaluronic acid production in epidermal cells and fibroblasts in mice

Heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 (HK L-137), an immunobiotic lactic acid bacterium, has been reported to enhance IFN-γ production through induction of IL-12. In this study, we investigated the effects of HK L-137 on skin moisturizing and production of hyaluronic acid (HA), an extracellular matrix associated with the retention of skin moisture. Oral administration of HK L-137 suppressed the loss of water content in the stratum corneum in hairless mice. Treatment of primary epidermal cells with HK L-137 increased HA production. Supernatant from immune cells stimulated by HK L-137, which contained proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, upregulated HA production and hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) messenger RNA expression by BALB/3T3 fibroblasts via activation of transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NFκB). Although treatment of the supernatant with anti-TNF-α antibody (Ab) alone did not inhibit the HA production, combination of anti-TNF-α Ab with anti-IFN-γ Ab significantly inhibited the HA production. Thus, HK L-137-induced IFN-γ plays a critical role in upregulated HA production in collaboration with TNF-α. HK L-137 may be useful for improvement of skin functions such as moisture retention by inducing HA production.

Propionibacterium acnes related anti-inflammation and skin hydration activities of madecassoside, a pentacyclic triterpene saponin from Centella asiatica

Madecassoside is a major pentacyclic triterpene saponin from Centella asiatica with multiple pharmaceutical activities. In this study, we focused on its Propionibacterium acnes related anti-inflammation and skin hydration activities, both of which play important roles in skin homeostasis and barrier function. Madecassoside significantly inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, TLR2 and nuclear translocation of NF-κB in P. acnes stimulated THP-1 human monocytic cells. In addition, madecasssoside exhibited significant effects on enhancement of skin hydration through increasing the key moisturizing contributors of aquaporin-3, loricrin and involucrin in HaCaT keratinocytes as well as hyaluronan (HA) secretion in human dermal fibroblasts. The upregulation of HA synthases (HAS1, HAS2, HAS3) and inhibition to ROS formation accounted for the increment of HA content. Together, the in vitro study implied the potential medical and cosmetic application of madecassoside in skin protection.

With Great Age Comes Great Metastatic Ability: Ovarian Cancer and the Appeal of the Aging Peritoneal Microenvironment

Age is one of the biggest risk factors for ovarian cancer. Older women have higher rates of diagnosis and death associated with the disease. In mouse models, it was shown that aged mice had greater tumor burden than their younger counterparts when intraperitoneally injected with ovarian tumor cells. While very few papers have been published looking at the direct link between ovarian cancer metastasis and age, there is a wealth of information on how age affects metastatic microenvironments. Mesothelial cells, the peritoneal extracellular matrix (ECM), fibroblasts, adipocytes and immune cells all exhibit distinct changes with age. The aged peritoneum hosts a higher number of senescent cells than its younger counterpart, in both the mesothelium and the stroma. These senescent cells promote an inflammatory profile and overexpress Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), which remodel the ECM. The aged ECM is also modified by dysregulated collagen and laminin synthesis, increases in age-related crosslinking and increasing ovarian cancer invasion into the matrix. These changes contribute to a vastly different microenvironment in young and aged models for circulating ovarian cancer cells, creating a more welcoming “soil”.

Advanced age results in a diminished endothelial glycocalyx

Age-related microvascular dysfunction is well characterized in rodents and humans, but little is known about the properties of the microvascular endothelial glycocalyx in advanced age. We examined the glycocalyx in microvessels of young and old male C57BL6 mice (young: 6.1 ± 0.1 mo vs. old: 24.6 ± 0.2 mo) using intravital microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and in human participants (young: 29 ± 1 yr vs. old: 60 ± 2 yr) using intravital microscopy. Glycocalyx thickness in mesenteric and skeletal muscle microvessels was 51-54% lower in old compared with young mice. We also observed 33% lower glycocalyx thickness in the sublingual microcirculation of humans in advanced age. The perfused boundary region, a marker of glycocalyx barrier function, was also obtained using an automated capture and analysis system. In advanced age, we observed a 10-22% greater perfused boundary region in mice and humans, indicating a more penetrable glycocalyx. Finally, using this automated analysis system, we examined perfused microvascular density and red blood cell (RBC) fraction. Perfused microvascular density is a marker of microvascular function that reflects the length of perfused microvessel segments in a given area; RBC fraction represents the heterogeneity in RBC presence between microvessel segments. Compared with young, the perfused microvascular density was 16-21% lower and RBC fraction was 5-14% lower in older mice and in older humans. These data provide novel evidence that, across mammalian species, a diminished glycocalyx is present in advanced age and is accompanied by markers of impaired microvascular perfusion. Age-related glycocalyx deterioration may be an important contributor to microvascular dysfunction in older adults and subsequent pathophysiology. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Advanced age is characterized by microvascular dysfunction that contributes to age-related cardiovascular diseases, but little is known about endothelial glycocalyx properties in advanced age. This study reveals, for the first time, lower glycocalyx thickness and barrier function that is accompanied by impaired microvascular perfusion in both mice and humans in advanced age.